Northeast Operating Rules Advisory Committee (NORAC) Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• What is the block signal system called in which the use of each block is governed by an automatic block signal, cab signal or both?
• Which activities are prohibited under Rule G concerning drugs and alcohol?
• What speed must a train operate at while making a reverse movement beyond the block limits?
• What is the default position for fixed derails used for blue signal protection?
• What happens if a signal is not given in a timely manner?
• What type of signal is used to govern the approach to a home signal?
• When is a train required to report clear of non-signaled DCS territory?
• What must a passenger train do if it is routed to a track that requires a station stop?
• Why must signals affecting the movement of your train be observed until passed?
• Which rule allows for operation in either direction on the same track based on signal indication?
• What is required if the horn on the lead engine fails during operations?
• When can equipment that is blue flagged be coupled to or moved?
• If a train stops less than one engine length beyond an interlocking signal, what must it do?
• What is the name of a track that is designated by timetable upon which movements are authorized?
• What action must be taken if radio communication fails before a Form D is given a Time Effective?
• When must the headlight be displayed while in yard service?
• What does the P.I.E.R. Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program aim to reduce?
• What maximum speed is allowed when coupling with spear-type couplers?
• What should a train ensure before occupying a highway crossing with automatic warning devices?
• What is the primary purpose of requiring an Engineer's certification card?
• What is the consequence of not displaying an Engineer's certification card on request?
• When must the cab signal apparatus be tested?
• If a train receives a Form D line 13, how should it approach home signals?
• What publication is published periodically and contains instruction that does not affect train movement?
• What procedure must a train in non-signaled DCS territory follow to make a reverse movement?
• When may switches be left in the reverse position?
• To whom must a Form D be addressed?
• What should a Conductor do if they see a crew member not performing correctly?
• How should a train be governed if cab signals and fixed signals do not conform?
• What signs are required to indicate the approach to the Working Limits?
• When can a train operate according to the next fixed signal's indication?
• What action is required after a train comes to a stop due to an emergency?
• How must signals be provided by an employee at a highway crossing?
• What happens to trains operating in the same direction as an emergency train?
• Who is responsible for the position of switches and derails?
• How frequently must Amtrak train and engine crew members hold a job briefing?
• What should trains operating on an out-of-service track ensure regarding automatic highway crossings?
• Who can request to see an Engineer's certification card?
• What is the maximum distance that can be specified when directing movement via radio communication?
• What action is taken if all auxiliary lights fail?
• What happens to the Rules-in-Effect on an out-of-service track?
• What action must be taken after the operation of a switch?
• How should trains behave when they encounter an out-of-service track adjacent to a station?
• What are conductors responsible for as part of their duties?
• Which of the following unusual occurrences must be reported to the train dispatcher?
• What is the Stop Release function in the context of the PTC system?
• What speed is allowed when cab signals are also cut out in ABS territory?
• Where should blue flags/lights be displayed if the equipment is on a non-main track?
• Which of the following is NOT a requirement when cab signals fail in 261 territory?
• What form is required to document the initial job briefing?
• What is a primary reason for prohibiting unauthorized use of electronic devices?
• Who is prohibited from copying a Form D on a moving train?
• What is the maximum speed for a train after a false activation notification?
• What happens if employees refuse to take a required drug or alcohol test?
• What can be added to a Form D that is already in effect?
• Where must employees display their qualifications?
• How is Limited Speed defined for passenger and freight trains?
• What is the purpose of the safety rules that employees must carry while on duty?
• What action is required if the cab signal apparatus was de-energized after testing?
• What is the maximum speed limit for freight trains classified as Limited Speed?
• If the "ACSES Failure" light is illuminated on the Intelligent ADU, what action should the engineer take?
• How must trains operate within the limits of a suspension in an ABS failure?
• What is a Data Radio primarily used for?
• What action is required when radio communication fails?
• What means must be used for communication redundancy in a train?
• What should crew members do if a flat spot on a wheel exceeds certain dimensions?
• What does NOT qualify as readily visible for blue signal compliance?
• How should auxiliary lights operate at public crossings according to regulations?
• What must a Dispatcher do before permitting opposite movement to assist a disabled train?
• When can additional equipment enter or leave out-of-service Limits?
• In radio communication, what does the term "EMERGENCY" signify?
• What actions must be taken if there is a headlight failure en route?
• How must a train proceed in 261 territory when cab signals fail?
• When must Conductors possess their certification card?
• What is a key responsibility of Engineers regarding their certification?
• What is the procedure for a train within the limits of a Track Obstructed for Maintenance when a Bulletin Order becomes effective?
• Who needs to be aware of the inspection status of cars and engines?
• What must trains have to authorize reverse movements within an interlocking?
• Who can apply or remove Blue Signal Protection?
• How will trains on adjacent tracks be governed when a train is reported in emergency?
• What must a train do when it encounters an unattended fusee?
• What is required for each train regarding radio communication?
• In what situation is short identification permitted?
• In a Cab Signal System (CSS) territory, what governs movement between fixed signals?
• What is the consequence of exceeding the speed limits defined in NORAC?
• When is a job briefing required?
• If a train has verbal permission from the Dispatcher to proceed, what should the crew do if the signal is at Stop?
• What indicates that crossing gates are functioning properly?
• What must the receiving employee do regarding permission from the Dispatcher?
• What factors must be inspected before resuming train movement after an emergency stop?
• At what speed must a reverse movement be made in 562 territory?
• What should be done if an imperfectly displayed signal is encountered?
• What must employees do if they witness any conduct that discredits the Company?
• After a train that has stopped for a non-passenger reason, when can it resume speed?
• How must movement be conducted to operate a hand throw switch?
• What must the engineer do if they lose the ability to use the main engine's horn?
• Who must receive a copy of the Form D line 2 when transmitted to a train?
• What assistance is available for employees who are impaired and unable to report for duty?
• What should crew members do immediately after an emergency application of brakes?
• Which condition requires the engineer to cut out ACSES?
• What action should be taken if a train encounters a signal displaying Stop and Proceed with failed cab signals?
• When must switch points be secured from unintentional movement?
• What must a push-pull train do after passing a distant signal if it makes a station stop?
• What must employees do before operating a hand throw switch?
• Which of the following books must employees maintain while on duty?
• Under what condition must the headlight be dimmed?
• What should crews do if they encounter the failure of auxiliary lights?
• What must be ensured regarding out-of-service tracks adjacent to platforms?
• Where must personal electronic devices be stored when their use is not authorized?
• Under what condition is the use of personal electronic devices authorized for employees?
• If a speed limit does not exceed 30 MPH, what is this termed?
• When ACSES is cut out, what is the maximum speed for passenger trains in ABS territory?
• What should employees ensure regarding their performance of duties?
• What should be done if all headlight bulbs fail while on duty?
• What must Engineers be prepared to do with their certification card?
• When is the use of the Stop Release Function authorized?
• What must an employee do if immediate access to a working radio is not available?
• What must be done when a flagger is required during a crossing?
• How is movement authorized on a main track in Form D Control System (DCS) territory?
• Who is authorized to break seals on interlocking appliances?
• Where should the employee giving hand signals be located?
• How should the Dispatcher inform a crew member to reverse a train?
• Which of the following is a regulation for maintaining proper employee conduct?
• Which instruction do employees follow in case of doubts regarding rules?
• What information must be included when responding to a radio call?
• What publication is used to inform employees of information affecting the movement of trains?
• When is it acceptable to increase speed if governed by a signal displaying Limited Clear?
• How does speed on the main track affect flagging distance?
• Who is subject to federal civil penalties under the electronic device policy?
• If the hand-operated switch is restored to normal but has not been reported clear, what is required to re-enter the block?
• What is the primary reason trains must stop at highway crossings during an ABS failure?
• When must lighted fusees be displayed by flag protection employees?
• Who is responsible for providing flag protection when a train is disabled?
• What is the role of the dispatcher in communication?
• Who should employees consult about the potential adverse effects of prescribed medication?
• What is the speed limit for movements over crossings without visual confirmation of traffic?
• How should a train proceed after receiving a Form D line 13 along with a cab signal failure?
• What action must the engineer take if the whistle or horn fails en route?
• What should a crew member determine before passing a non-interlocked facing point switch?
• How is an opposing movement authorized in Rule 261 territory?
• What is required before making a reverse movement in 562 territory?
• How may a train make a reverse movement within the limits of the same block?
• How must movements be notified about the limits of the out-of-service track?
• What is the role of the Dispatcher related to delays in train service?
• Which of the following is essential for an Engineer when serving in their official capacity?
• Who governs the movements at an interlocking or controlled point?
• What must be done with the "Selector" lever before hand operating a dual control switch?
• What is required before returning a track to service?
• How is movement governed between fixed signals in 562 territory?
• What is required of all track cars and trains before the track can be returned to service?
• What speed must a push-pull train not exceed when approaching a distant signal in an interlocking?
• When is it required for an engine service employee to have their certification card with them?
• When are fusees used?
• What type of information is essential in job briefings concerning safety?
• What must conductors report according to their responsibilities?
• When must employees have their radio tuned to the proper channel?
• When must train crews notify the dispatcher regarding their on-duty period?
• What is required of employees regarding their conduct while on duty?
• What should happen if the "Dead Man" or "Alerter" feature fails en route on a passenger train?
• When must the functioning of the illuminated marking device be confirmed?
• When must the on-board PTC apparatus be tested?
• What are the exceptions to the stop requirement for trains when approaching a station?
• When can the train dispatcher change a signal to Stop position after it has been cleared?
• What is the maximum speed authorized under Rule 563?
• Which key term is used to indicate agreement in radio communication?
• What is necessary before a reverse movement can occur at a restricted speed?
• Which of the following is necessary for a train to operate safely when the previous signal indicates it must stop?
• What must employees do if they find a defective switch or derail?
• In the event of an internal failure of the onboard apparatus, what must an engineer do?
• When should signals be communicated to the crew?
• How must trains approach home signals and controlled point signals under DCS rules?
• What is a requirement for movements operating at Restricted Speed?
• Who must communicate signals affecting the movement of the train?
• What happens if an Engineer is unable to display their certification card upon request?
• What speed may a train with failed cab signals proceed at once authorized by Rule 556?
• Who do engine service employees receive their instructions from?
• The signal that governs the entrance to an interlocking is called what?
• Where are assigned radio channels designated?
• If an employee is uncertain about a rule, what should they do?
• What should a crew do if they encounter an absent or imperfectly displayed fixed signal?
• If a fixed signal is absent, how must a train proceed?
• How is movement on a main track authorized in Automatic Block Signal (ABS) territory?
• How should the volume of a radio be maintained during work duties?
• What happens if a train is operating against the current of traffic?
• Which term describes a speed that does not exceed 15 MPH?
• What type of documentation do Engineers use to prove their qualifications?
• Who is responsible for the care of a portable radio assigned to an employee?
• If a train stops after passing a block signal for reasons other than a passenger stop, how must it proceed?
• What describes a Transponder in rail terminology?
• What is the purpose of a walking inspection after an emergency stop?
• What document must Engineers have on them while performing their duties?
• When can the provisions of Rule 137-A through Rule 137-E be disregarded?
• What must a crew member do before a train can reverse its movement in non-signaled DCS territory?
• When auxiliary lights fail while en route, what is the maximum speed a train can travel over public highway crossings?
• What must be confirmed by the Dispatcher before issuing Form D line 5?
• When can the Dispatcher change the route after a signal has cleared?
• What must the employee in charge ascertain before the track is returned to service?
• What is the term for an uncoupled engine or engines directed back toward the stationary portion of the same train?
• Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for an Engineer to display their certification card?
• What is required of an employee if they test positive for drugs or alcohol during work?
• What information is required for assurance of protection for a train at a station?
• Where must employees keep their switch keys to ensure security?
• How must all movements operate within out-of-service limits?
• How does the NORAC define 'Normal Speed'?
• When can a train report it is clear of the main track at a hand-operated switch?
• What transmissions do not need to be repeated over the radio?
• During what scenario must Engineers be especially vigilant about their certification?
• How should a train proceed if delayed in an interlocking?
• An Engineer's certification card verifies what aspect of their professional capability?
• What speed should trains not exceed when delayed after passing a distant signal?
• Who is responsible for the protection of a train?
• How must a train proceed if there is a flagger present, but not one for each direction of traffic?
• Which activity can a utility employee perform without blue signal protection?
• What must be provided by the crew of a disabled train prior to the movement being authorized?
• What should be done if a train must stop over a burning fusee?
• What type of communication is needed if work will disturb the track structure?
• What test must an engineer perform if they change the train type selector?
• What is the operating speed limit for trains transporting Poisonous-by-Inhalation (PIH) in ABS territory without CSS?
• What does the term 'fouling point' refer to?
• What is a Positive Train Control System (PTC)?
• What must be confirmed regarding time during job briefings?
• For how long are Form D's to be retained after they have been fulfilled or cancelled?
• How will the limits of DCS be designated?
• What is the maximum authorized speed for freight trains operating in non-signaled DCS territory?
• What is the main purpose of providing on-ground warning at grade crossings?
• How should crew members notify the Dispatcher after an emergency stop?
• What must the Dispatcher do before routing a train into Working Limits?
• What must be done prior to coupling to passenger equipment?
• What is required for movement on a main track in Non-Signaled DCS territory?
• What should be done if the track is clear but a train is delayed at an interlocking signal?
• What is the purpose of using key words in radio communication?
• What is required before hand-operating a dual control switch?
• When should communication devices be tested before work assignments?
• How must hand signals be given?
• Who must participate in a job briefing?
• What is the first thing to do when experiencing an emergency brake application?
• What type of signal is required before proceeding into Working Limits?
• What are the functions of auxiliary lights on a train?
• What is the maximum speed for a push-pull train that reduces speed to less than 10 MPH?
• What actions must a qualified employee take to protect work locations?
• How must a train proceed after passing a distant signal and making a stop in any block?
• How is FRA Excepted Track designated?
• When moving cars not headed by an engine over a highway crossing, what is required?
• How must trains approach non-interlocked facing point switches under DCS rules?
• From whom do train service employees receive instructions?
• Under what conditions can Form D line 13 be used?
• When must the headlight on a train be displayed?
• Who is issued Form D line 5 when a track is obstructed for maintenance?
• Who can dictate a Form D?
• What should a train do after receiving notification of an activation failure?
• What speed must not be exceeded on FRA Excepted Track?
• What messaging method should be used to inform of movements in the direction of out-of-service track?
• What must employees do if they know a train will be delayed?
• Who qualifies as a utility employee?
• Under what circumstance is smoking explicitly prohibited?
• What should a train with en-route cab signal failure do in 562 territory?
• What governs the operation of a train within interlocking limits in CSS territory?
• How must trains behave at designated stations where receiving passengers across intervening tracks?
• What is the effect of an en-route failure of cab signals on a train's speed in 562 territory?
• What is required for a train to reverse movement beyond the limits of the same block?
• What should be done if movement is obstructed and the hand signal disappears from view?
• Which group is responsible for the regulations regarding Engineer certification?
• What is required at highway grade crossings equipped with automatic warnings during an ABS failure?
• What is required for passenger trains concerning marking devices?
• What publication summarizes changes to the timetable and other instruction manuals?
• Which of the following must be discussed in a job briefing?
• What is the term used for Maximum Authorized Speed?
• What must a train have in order to pass a Stop Signal?
• Who must repeat transmitted information that involves safety or movement?
• If an Engineer does not have their certification card, what should they do?
• How will movements enter the In-Service portion of a track?
• Who has the authority to issue the Form D line 4 or 13 to remove a track from service?
• In what situation can a train proceed without on-ground warning when crossing gates are down?
• When may the headlight on a train be extinguished?